Princesses in Disguise

Kayla: The Seamstress by Sara Tuvel Bernstein ~ I chose this book on an outing to the bookstore with our great uncle after being naturally drawn to the history section.  I’m not sure why, but I’ve always loved reading the stories of those who survived the Holocaust.  The suffering people experienced humbles me and reminds me to be grateful for all God has blessed me with, including things I so often take for granted and consider “basics” like a roof over my head, a comfortable bed to sleep on at night, and a loving family.  This book was no exception.  I literally couldn’t put it down, and Stephanie even commented once or twice about my being glued to this book because it is so uncharacteristic of me.  ~smile~  However, I do recommend that younger girls be sure to ask permission of their parents before reading this book (as always).

The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White ~ I was sent this small book as part of the homework for my Verity English class, but it hardly felt like study material.  ~smile~  I found the writing tips to be very insightful and helpful in improving my writing.  The humorous presentation makes this book a fun read, in my opinion.

The Duggars: 20 and Counting by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar ~ I’m sure most if not all of you are familiar with the Duggar family and their eighteen children.  I was excited to find this book at the library and sped through it very quickly.  I loved reading Mr. and Mrs. Duggar’s testimony of how the Lord brought them together and later led them to have so many children.  Reading Mrs. Duggar’s practical tips on managing the home and training young children encouraged me greatly in serving my family and loving my siblings.  This was a very refreshing book (with lots of fun family pictures, too)!

Life’s Little Instruction Book, Vol. II by H. Jackson Brown Jr. ~ While I don’t agree with the title of this book (The Bible is the only “life instruction book” I’ll follow!), it was a fun, laughter-inducing read.  I read the one-line tips aloud in the girls’ room, and we all enjoyed the absurdity of some of the tips like:  “Never tell a man he is losing his hair.  He already knows.”  Some were thought-provoking, however, such as: “Smile when you pick up the phone.  The caller will hear it in your voice.”  I’ve started applying this one, and it actually makes a difference in how I feel!

Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley ~ I never really liked the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast.  I’m not exactly sure what turned me off… maybe it was the part about the nice, pretty girl falling in love with an ugly, angry monster?  I don’t know.  But when I heard about this book, I decided to give it a try, hoping that since it was retelling the story, I might sort of enjoy it.  Well, enjoy it I did!  Robin McKinley did a beautiful job with the descriptions in this book, and I loved her twist on the main character, Beauty.  Also a plus: the beast in this story is much nicer.  ~smile~

Stephanie:

Mrs. Lirriper by Charles Dickens ~ I loved this creative book of short stories! They all centered around a boarding house run by the titular lady and are told by several different authors, including Dickens.

 Christmas with Grandma Elsie ~ I really enjoyed the thirteenth book in this series as it followed the escapades of Lulu Raymond.

(I also read “Beauty” and enjoyed it as well! )

Allison: I read both Beauty and Christmas with Grandma Elsie and enjoyed them both.